About this event
Admission to all events is free. On site donations benefiting the repair and reconstruction of Albina’s historic Billy Webb Elks Lodge warmly accepted. Reservations and masks required, as is proof of vaccine, or a negative test within 24 hours.
Friday, February 11
6 -7:30p (doors at 5p) Staged reading of Walking Through Portland with a Panther: The Life of Mr Kent Ford. All Power! Written by Don Wilson Glenn, directed by Damaris Webb, featuring La’Tevin Alexander. A newly commissioned solo play incorporating archival footage and storytelling to understand local history, rediscover lost neighborhoods, and learn the intimate makings of unsung leaders of protest and revolution.
Saturday, February 12
2p – 4:30 (doors at 1p) Remembering the Legacy of the Black Panther Party in Portland. Led By Mr Kent Ford. Come hear Mr Kent Ford, founding member of Portland’s chapter of the ’60s-era black empowerment organization, share his personal memories of revolutionary activism, defending the community from police violence as well as organizing free breakfasts for children and health clinics. We will screen the Vanport Mosaic-produced short documentary “Sting Like A Bee”, produced by Lisa Serrano, Donovan Smith, and Mohammed Alkhadher – Executive producer Laura Lo Forti. The event culminates in a moderated conversation between Mr. Ford and local historians, activists and community organizers. Arrive early to explore informational tabling by local individuals, grassroots groups, and cultural institutions committed to social justice and advancing our community. Mr. Ford’s presentation will begin promptly at 2 PM.
6 -7:30p (doors at 5p) Staged reading of Walking Through Portland with a Panther: The Life of Mr Kent Ford. All Power! Written by Don Wilson Glenn, directed by Damaris Webb, featuring La’Tevin Alexander. A newly commissioned solo play incorporating archival footage and storytelling to understand local history, rediscover lost neighborhoods, and learn the intimate makings of unsung leaders of protest and revolution.
Sunday, February 13
2p -3:15p (doors at 1p) screening of SOUL’D: the economics of our Black bodies (the Joy edition) a new performance piece adapted for film, engaging questions of how our Black bodies have participated in the American Economic Dream. Devised by a cohort of local Black performers, designers and filmmakers.
4p-6p (doors at 3:30p) Point Number Five: a conversation with Master Artist Michael Bernard Stevenson Jr and invited guests. The Ten Point Plan was a call to action and a demand for justice and equality from people in power written by the Black Panther Party for Self-Defense in 1966. Point number five reads: “We want education for our people that exposes the true nature of this decadent American society. We want education that teaches us our true history and our role in the present day society”.
This program is made possible by the generous support of PDX Events Action Table, Metro Placemaking, The Collins Foundation, and The Marie Lamfrom Charitable Trust, with additional support from the Regional Arts and Culture Council